Vietnam National Team kept their hopes firmly on track after securing a 2-0 victory over Laos National Team in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Round 3 Group F at Laos KM16 National Stadium, Vientiane.
Vietnam entered the match as heavy favourites but were nearly stunned early when captain Bounphachan Bounkong unleashed a powerful long-range effort in the 3rd minute, forcing Đặng Văn Lâm into a full-stretch save.
Despite controlling possession, Vietnam struggled with accuracy in the final third. Tiến Linh had multiple opportunities — in the 7th, 15th, and 32nd minutes — but failed to convert any, while Hoàng Đức also came close with a curling strike that narrowly missed the crossbar.
The visitors dominated territory but lacked sharpness, heading into halftime frustrated and scoreless.
Seeking more intensity, head coach Kim Sang-sik made four attacking changes immediately after the break, introducing Hai Long, Xuân Son, Tuấn Hải, and Gia Hưng. The shift in tempo was immediate.
In the 59th minute, Xuân Son linked up smartly with Tuấn Hải, who struck the bar. Moments later, the duo combined again — this time leading to the breakthrough.
In the 68th minute, Tuấn Hải drove down the flank and delivered a dangerous cross that struck the hand of Laos defender Phetdavanh Somsanith, prompting an instant penalty call.
Xuân Son stepped up with ice-cold composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Vietnam a 1-0 lead.
The goal marked Xuân Son’s 8th strike in just 6 international appearances, continuing his remarkable rise as Vietnam’s new attacking talisman.
As Laos tired in the final minutes, Vietnam intensified their pressure. In the 90+3rd minute, a looping cross from Tiến Anh caused chaos in the pealty box, and Tuấn Hải reacted fastest — executing an acrobatic hook shot to seal the 2-0 victory.
The result keeps Vietnam three points ahead of Malaysia, setting up a blockbuster finale in Hanoi on March 31, 2026. With both teams competing for the top spot in Group F
Credit Photo : ZNews
